Multi-millions agreed to progress key transport improvements in Cambridgeshire including the A47 and A605

The authority's board agreed that £2.25m will be made available to commission feasibility studies and business cases into key strategic schemes including the dualling of the A47, the A47 to M11 extension and the upgrading of the A10.

Devolution has given the Combined Authority the power to consider bold and innovative solutions to overcome long-standing infrastructure needs and we will work hard to ensure that the most effective solutions are thoroughly investigated to ensure they can be delivered.”

Furthermore, the Committee were asked to approve four schemes to be submitted to the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) run by the Department for Transport.

The go-ahead was given to enter bids for funding for Junction 18 improvements on the A47, for a package of junction improvements in March to address congestion problems, improvements to junctions providing access to the Wisbech South development area, and the A605 Whittlesey access Phase 2.

Mayor James Palmer said: “If the bids for funding are successful, the money will collectively support the delivery of around 7,000 new homes, the creation of around 3,000 new jobs and will help address traffic congestion.

“Transport infrastructure improvements are a key element of both my 100 day plan and for the future development of the region, and today’s meeting has demonstrated that the Combined Authority members are all committed to working together to bring forward much needed development to boost the future economic growth of our region.”

As part of the Autumn Statement 2016 the Government announced the creation of the NPIF, worth a total of £23bn for investment in areas key to boosting productivity, transport, digital communication, research and development and housing.